PS5 SSD internal storage expansion now available to beta users

According to a support page released today, Sony is now allowing its beta users install a PS5 SSD internal storage to their console.

Since the console’s debut, fans have been waiting for such a feature to become available.

The beta version of system firmware 2.0 has been released to users of the beta program in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and Japan.

With the new feature, beta users will be able to add from 250 GB to 4TB of storage. It won’t be an affordable upgrade for many fans, though, since the price of recommended PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVME SSD devices can definitely be very expensive when it comes to 2TB or 4TB. Unlike the expanded memory for Xbox Series X|S which can be added in a second, it won’t be as quick for the PS5 as it can take minutes.

M.2 SATA SSDs are not supported. Same for M.2 SSDs with built-in heatsink or HMB (Host Memory Buffer). Users also won’t be able to format part of the M.2 SSD for use; the entire device has to be formatted.

There are many specifications to follow to make sure. Check out all the recommendations here:

Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD

Capacity: 250GB – 4TB

Cooling structure: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. You can attach one to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format. There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built in.

Sequential read speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended

Module width: 22mm width (25mm width is not supported)

Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
These numbers can be found on retail listings for M.2 SSD devices. The first two digits refer to the width, the remaining digits to the length.

Socket type: Socket 3 (Key M)

Total size including cooling structure:
In millimeters: smaller than 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H).
In inches: smaller than 4.33in (L) x 0.984 in (W) x 0.442in (H).

See below for full requirements.

Length

The following M.2 SSD lengths are compatible with PS5 consoles:
30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, 110mm (corresponding to the form factor type, per above).

Width
A 22mm-wide M.2 SSD module is required.
The total structure (including an added cooling structure) cannot exceed 25mm (0.984in).

Height
The total height of the M.2 SSD and its cooling structure (such as a heatsink) – whether built-in or separate – must be less than 11.25mm (0.442in).
The height must also be in the right place, in relation to the M.2 SSD’s circuit board:

• The size below the board must be less than 2.45mm (0.096in).
• The total size above the board must be less than 8mm (0.314in).

(Note: millimeter measurements are the technical standard and are more precise than inches. We recommend double-checking that the total dimensions of M.2 SSD and heatsink products you’re considering meet the millimeter requirements before purchasing)

• Both single-sided and double-sided M.2 SSD devices are supported.
• M.2 SATA SSDs aren’t supported.
• You should carefully review drive specifications prior to purchase and contact the vendor or manufacturer if you need further information. SIE cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console and assumes no responsibility for the selection, performance or use of third-party products.
• Not all games are necessarily playable with the exact same performance provided by the PS5 console’s internal Ultra-High Speed SSD, even where the M.2 SSD device’s sequential read speed is faster than 5500MB/s.
• The majority of M.2 SSD devices with the above type numbers (M Key Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110) and without a built-in cooling structure will fit the PS5 console’s SSD slot. However, sizes for cooling structures (like heatsinks) vary greatly. If you are not sure an M.2 SSD or cooling structure (such as a heatsink) you’re considering meets the size requirements outlined here, we recommend looking for another product option or contacting the vendor or manufacturer for more information.

Sony also recommends the use of a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver, a well-lit room with a table, and a flashlight (optional).

For more info, check out the “For beta users: how to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5™ console” page.

[Source]: PlayStation: For beta users: how to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5™ console – [Archive].